The Hamblen County Commission held its August meeting yesterday, August 24. It was supposed to be the last meeting of the current commissioners as the newly-elected commission takes office on September 1.
And it was the last meeting---almost!
There was one small snag at the meeting.
Most, maybe all, Sheriffs across the state have a Chief Deputy. Sheriff Otto Purkey, however, eliminated that position in Hamblen County several years ago.
Newly-elected Sheriff Esco Jarnagin wants to restore the position of Chief Deputy.
Most Commissioners (except for Commissioner Doyle Fullington) didn't seem to have a problem with the re-organization of the Sheriff's Office to include a Chief Deputy again.
A lot of commissioners did seem uncomfortable--as they should be-- with making this decision without complete financial information about costs and where the money will come from.
A salary estimate of $45,000 -$47,000 was mentioned in a letter to commissioners by Sheriff Jarnagin, but there could be additional costs related to insurance, social security, and other benefits.
Solution: Another meeting of the full commission on August 28.
Finance Director Nicole Epps will present an analysis of all costs for the Chief Deputy position.
Sheriff-elect Esco Jarnagin will be invited to discuss the way to fund this position and whether this position can be handled through a budget amendment that requires no new money.
More on the 28th.
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